The verdict in three sentences
For a softwood sawmill processing 25,000 m³ a year, tracking material yield is the most profitable lever: every point gained is worth tens of thousands of euros. Custom software at EUR 25,000 to 55,000 (about USD 27,000 to 60,000) replaces paper with automatic log scaling, stock by species and grade and delivery notes with PEFC traceability. The project takes 3 to 5 months and usually pays back within 1 to 2 sawing seasons. The figures come from a French Alps project; for Toronto-area mills they are a 2026 benchmark, with FSC or PEFC chain of custody working the same way.
From log yard to customer: what the software tracks
Spruce and fir arrive as logs, go through the headrig, the kiln and then the planer. On paper, it is impossible to link a batch of logs to the lumber it produced, so real yield per supplier or per batch cannot be measured.
| Step | Data tracked | Concrete benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Log reception | Supplier, species, length, diameter, volume | Automatic scaling, check of invoiced volumes |
| Log yard | Location, age, grade | Stock rotation, less blue stain |
| Sawing | Log batch to lumber batches | Material yield per batch and supplier |
| Kilns | Load, cycle, final moisture | Kiln scheduling, fewer re-dries |
| Lumber stock | Species, section, grade, length | Reliable real-time stock |
| Dispatch | Delivery note, PEFC claim | Chain of custody traceability |
| By-products | Sawdust, chips, bark | Measured value recovery |
Material yield in a softwood sawmill often sits between 50 and 60% (order of magnitude). The software does not saw better for you, but it shows exactly where the 3 to 6% that make the difference are lost.
Budget and scope
| Level | Scope | 2026 budget | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Reception, scaling, log and lumber stock | EUR 25,000 to 32,000 | 3 months |
| Production | Essential + yield per batch, kilns | EUR 33,000 to 44,000 | 4 months |
| Full trading | Production + quotes, orders, PEFC delivery notes, dashboards | EUR 45,000 to 55,000 | 5 months |
| Hardware (outside software) | Yard tablets, label printers | Depends on supplier | In parallel |
| Accounting link | Export to your accounting software | Included depending on scope | During project |
The Production level is often the best cost-to-gain ratio: it makes material yield visible batch by batch.
PEFC certification: what the tool simplifies
PEFC certification requires a chain of custody: knowing what share of the timber sold is certified and proving it at audit. On paper, this takes several days a year.
| Requirement | On paper | With the software |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of certified logs | Binders of supplier notes | PEFC status per batch from reception |
| Flow separation | Visual marks in the yard | Batches flagged certified or not |
| Claim on documents | Added by hand | Automatic claim on invoices and notes |
| Annual material balance | 2 to 4 days of calculation | Report in minutes |
| Audit preparation | Searching for documents | Full export per period |
Mini case study
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Laurent runs a softwood sawmill near Grenoble and processes 25,000 m³ of logs a year. His material yield is estimated at 54%, without precise measurement. After setting up batch tracking, he identifies two suppliers whose logs yield 4 points less and adjusts his purchasing and cutting patterns. An average gain of 1 yield point means 250 m³ of extra lumber. At EUR 260 per m³ of lumber (order of magnitude), that is EUR 65,000 a year. For a Production project at EUR 40,000, payback comes in under 8 months, not counting PEFC audit days saved.
FAQ
Is log scaling automatic?
Yes, the software calculates volume from length and diameter entered or imported from your measuring equipment. The volume is checked against the supplier's invoiced volume.
How much does custom sawmill software cost in 2026?
Expect EUR 25,000 to 55,000 depending on scope. The Production level, with yield per batch and kilns, sits between EUR 33,000 and 44,000.
Can timber trading be managed alongside production?
Yes, the Full trading level adds quotes, orders and delivery notes. Products bought for resale are tracked separately from in-house production.
Does the software help with the PEFC audit?
Yes, each batch carries its certified status from reception and the material balance is generated in minutes. The 2 to 4 days of annual preparation shrink to a check.
How long until go-live?
Expect 3 to 5 months, ideally starting outside peak season. A 3-week pilot on a single species precedes full rollout.
Let's scope your project. Send us your annual volumes, species and number of kilns to receive a priced scope between EUR 25,000 and 55,000 and a 3 to 5 month plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
